(MENAFN- AzerNews)
By Trend
Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov chaired an expanded
meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers to discuss the draft state
budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2023 and the consolidated
budget, as well as indicators of the consolidated budget for the
next three years, the concept and projected indicators of the
socio-economic development of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2023
and the next three years, Trend reports citing the Cabinet of
Ministers.
Opening the meeting, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the
memory of the servicemen who died during the suppression of a
large-scale provocation committed by the Armenian armed forces on
the Azerbaijani-Armenian border, expressed deep condolences to
their families and loved ones. It was noted that the entire
responsibility for the tension lies with the military-political
leadership of Armenia.
It was especially emphasized that strengthening the country's
defense capability is one of the main and necessary issues facing
the state. It was noted that strengthening the country's defense
potential and the material and technical base of the army,
providing it with modern military equipment and ammunition, as well
as improving the social and working conditions of military
personnel is one of the main areas of expenditure. The budget
provides for this direction for the next year more than 5.3 billion
manats.
It was also noted that, in general, the draft state and
consolidated budgets for 2023 and the next 3 years were prepared in
accordance with the strategy 'Azerbaijan 2030: national priorities
for socio-economic development', approved by the order of the head
of state on February 2, 2021, and taking into account the goals
contained in the 'Strategy for socio-economic development for
2022-2026', approved by the head of state on July 22, 2022.
It was noted that in the state budget for 2023, 5.2 billion
manats were allocated to finance projects and activities provided
for by the Strategy.
It was also emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev, during his
speech at a meeting dedicated to the results of the six months of
2022, gave the government a number of instructions in connection
with the preparation of the state budget for 2023, which were taken
into account in the process of preparing the draft budget.
Speaking about the successful development of the country, the
Prime Minister stressed that this positive trend has continued for
the first 8 months of this year.
'Thus, over 8 months, economic growth increased by 5.8 percent,
including in the non-oil sector - by 10.3 percent, in the non-oil
industry - by 9 percent. Our foreign trade turnover is $35
billion,' the Prime Minister said.
It was noted that at present the country's strategic foreign
exchange reserves have increased by $2.7 billion and amount to
almost $56 billion, which is more than 7 times higher than the
direct external public debt.
Presenting general information on the draft state budget for
2023, the Prime Minister noted that budget revenues are envisaged
at the level of 30.7 billion, and expenditures at the level of 33.3
billion manats. Budget deficit to GDP ratio is 2.4 percent.
It was emphasized that strengthening social protection and
social security of the population, families of martyrs, veterans,
improving the social well-being of the low-income stratum of the
population are constantly in the focus of attention of the head of
state. To continue reforms in this direction, to implement measures
of social support for sensitive groups of the population, taking
into account inflationary pressure, the social expenditures of the
state budget for 2023 are provided for by 9.2 percent higher than
in the current year.
In order to protect the health of the population, compulsory
health insurance, meet the demand for medicines, conduct
examinations, treatment and rehabilitation, as well as strengthen
the material and technical base in this area, next year attention
will be increased to providing the healthcare system.
According to the 'Strategy of socio-economic development for
2022-2026', one of the main goals is to carry out reforms in the
field of education. It is planned to implement measures to continue
reforms in general education, expand the scope of vocational
education, increase the availability and inclusiveness of higher
education, and many other areas.
Recent regional and global geopolitical challenges, disruptions
in production chains, and increased transport and logistics costs
have led to rising global food prices, food shortages, food
inflation in most countries to double-digit levels. The situation
in the world food markets, as in most countries, makes the issues
of food supply and security even more relevant for Azerbaijan, as
well as reducing the level of dependence on imports. It was noted
that the volume of state budget expenditures on food security
measures, which are currently one of the main challenges on a
global scale, will also be increased. In particular, for the
activities arising from the Decree of the President of Azerbaijan
'On a number of measures to increase the level of self-sufficiency
in food wheat' dated July 19, 2022, the budget for the next year
provides for appropriate funds. At the same time, it was emphasized
that the development of agriculture is one of the top priorities
for the government. In the budget for 2023, spending on
agricultural development exceeds spending for this year by 20.5
percent.
It was noted that the budget for 2023 provides for 3 billion
manats for the restoration of the Karabakh and East Zangezur
economic regions, the reconstruction of cities and villages to
ensure the Great Return to the liberated territories, the creation
of modern infrastructure on them.
Further, Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov made reports on the
draft state budget of Azerbaijan for 2023 and the consolidated
budget and indicators of the consolidated budget for the next three
years, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov - with a report on the
concept and forecast indicators of Azerbaijan's economic and social
development for 2023 and beyond three years, Minister of Labor and
Social Protection of the Population Sahil Babayev - on the draft
budget of the State Fund for Social Protection of the Population of
Azerbaijan.
It was decided to present these projects taking into account the
voiced opinions and proposals to the President of the Republic of
Azerbaijan.
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